We've watched the movie 10 Things I Hate About You over and over; not to see Heath Ledger as a moody teenage rebel, not for the clever modernization of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew. We watch for the gorgeous opening scene. From downtown Seattle, the camera pans farther and farther away, revealing a majestic view of the city from atop Queen Anne Hill. The shot was filmed from Kerry Park and Viewpoint (211 W. Highland Dr.), always a great pick for a breathtaking view of the city, especially during Independence Day fireworks.

When you're ready to shift your gaze, have fun exploring the area ­ lots to do, great eats, and shopping galore. Don't miss the sidewalk sale on Saturday, July 7. Grab the camera, work up an appetite, and give your credit card a healthy workout atop our city's gorgeous hill.

• ACTIVITIES
  • East Queen Anne Playfield
    160 Howe St.
    General parks info, 206.684.4075; wading pool hotline, 206.684.7796 Bring a few dollars for the ice cream man, who's sure to drive up while the family plays the summer days away at East Queen Anne Playfield's wading pool. When the kids shrivel, they'll want to climb the play structure or go for a swing. Parents enjoy chitchat at this gathering spot, and the park is well-contained for keeping track of the kids. Restroom; drinking fountain; club house.
    
  • Queen Anne Swimming Pool
    1920 1st Ave. W.
    206.386.4282
    Fish out the goggles, and head on over to Queen Anne Pool for fun in the water. Check online for schedule and to register for classes. Public swim times are frequent, and lessons span the ages from six months to adult. The whole family will be intrigued by Dive-In Movie Night, when family-friendly films play as you bob on flotation devices provided by the pool.
  • Color Me Mine
    2226 Queen Anne Ave. N.
    206.281.0229
    Paint your own pottery! Every Tuesday is two-for-one day. Saturdays are pajama night ­ the studio fee is waived for everyone in their jammies. The first Friday of every month is Kids' Night Out. $20.00 gets your Little One (ages six and older) two hours of painting, including pottery and all other supplies, and pizza. Babysitting fee included!
  • Lily's
    1509 Queen Anne Ave. N.
    206.282.4567
    Lily's Pampering Salon & Party Boutique is all about luxury. Your girl can get her first manicure and feel oh-so-special while she lounges in chairs fit for a castle. Nail polish and sweet up-dos are a signature of all of Lily's birthday party packages. Shop for headbands (in Mom and Daughter sizes), organic hair products featuring Lily's own signature line alongside brands you know and love, and a small selection of gifts including pets from Paw Parazzi.
• Honorable Mention
  • Hilltop Yarn
    2224 Queen Anne Ave. N.
    206.282.1332
    It's so easy to get carried away by skein after skein of luxurious yarn. So pretty! But perhaps you better learn how to knit or crochet first, eh? Luckily Hilltop Yarn offers classes for grown-ups of all levels, and for kids ages six and older, too.
  • Parson's Garden
    7th Ave. W. & W. Highland Dr.
    This gem of a flower garden is a great place to stroll or picnic. Or perhaps, read aloud from The Secret Garden.
• SHOPPING
  • Urban Kids Play
    1805 Queen Anne Ave. N.
    206.285.PLAY
    We're constantly raving about Urban Kids Play. We applaud their drive to bring simplicity and imagination into kids' lives. We also love the ample stroller-maneuver room. Everyone needs a racecar that's also a puzzle from Automoblox ($36.00) ­ they even come in pink! The store also carries one of the biggest selections of BabyLegs legwarmers we've seen. Check their web site for on-going events, like kids' yoga and Spanish story time.
  • Once Upon A Time On Queen Anne
    1622 Queen Anne Ave. N.
    206.284.7260
    Once Upon A Time is a wonder to behold. Room after room is filled with toys, games, crafts, and activities for babies up through upper-elementary aged kids. In addition to owner Janelle McCrackin's array of her own Montessori-inspired products, you'll find offerings from Melissa & Doug, Haba, Sevi, and other favorite brands. Enjoy exploring "La Nook,"home to adorable dollhouse furnishings, and look for kid-sized jerseys supporting both the Huskies and the Cougars.
  • Bouncing Wall
    2225 Queen Anne Ave. N
    206.285.WALL
    Bouncing Wall's offerings in jewelry, clothes, accessories, home goods, bath and body products, kids' clothes, and Mom's essentials, aren't just irresistible; they're all from local artists and designers. We crave changing pads from So Anna, onesies fromŒLil Awesome, diaper bags from Construction for All, and vintage-inspired clutches from Jamie Irene Studios. Check the web site for upcoming events, including trunk sales.
  • Undies & Outies
    2212 Queen Anne Ave. N.
    206.286.1024
    Attached to Queen Anne Mail & Dispatch, Undies & Outies is your one-stop shop for gift giving ­ buy, wrap, write a card, and send. Browse the offerings for women: shoes both high-fashion and comfort, Queen Anne tees, and the largest selection anywhere of our fave vegan bag designer, Crystalyn Kae. For kids, the selection is small but fun (Mini retro sunglasses! Rhinestone tiaras!) and features one stand-out product: weatherproof blankets from Rugged Idea in three sizes, from changing pad to "big blanket."
  • Queen Anne Books
    1811 Queen Anne Ave. N.
    206.283.5624
    Grab a coffee for you and a Mexican hot chocolate with whipped cream and sprinkles for Little One from El Diablo Coffee Company, then explore the shelves at Queen Anne Books. Be sure to check out the staff faves, and grab a flyer to find out who's coming to sign books. Non-book products are also growing here ­ pick up journals from Fashionera. The first Sunday of every month is First Sunday Family Fun at 2:00 pm. Third Sundays bring 2:00 pm story time with Charles, a local teacher.
• Honorable Mention
  • Communique Toys
    2215 Queen Anne Ave. N.
    206.284.4160
    Communique Toys and Communique Cards & Gifts, just a few doors down at 2211, share an owner. The toy store is a destination spot for all things Playmobil, Lego, Brio, and Thomas & Friends. And don't forget your Star Wars-themed Mr. Potato Head. The card shop features an amazing array of nutcrackers, and not just for Christmas ­ we want the Wizard of Oz themed set. Also available: stickers, popular board games, Groovy Girls, and dress-up clothes.
  • Stuhlbergs
    1801 Queen Anne Ave. N.
    206.3352.2351
    The perfect stop on your way to a family dinner party ­ hostess gifts galore (we love the soaps in eerily true-to-life forms of Chihuahuas and Scottie dogs), and great kid gifts, too, like Ugly Dolls and Folkmanis puppets.
  • Skookum Clothing Northwest
    1629 Queen Anne Ave. N.
    206.285.2184
    Skookum offers clothes for Baby (to size 6X) and Mom. Baby lines include tea, Mimi & Maggie, rabbitmoon, kissykissy, Mustela bath products, Little Giraffe blankets, and a huge selection of shoes from See Kai Run. Mom will love jersey dresses from cosabella, tees from 3 Dot, Hobo bags, and denim from Jag, Pine IV, and Christopher Blue.
  • Adelita
    1527 Queen Anne Ave. N.
    206.285.0707
    Set yourself apart with jewelry from Tarina Tarantino ­ the electric-pink-haired designer who takes whimsy to a whole new level with jewel-studded baubles featuring Hello Kitty and Barbie. We've seen photos of Paris Hilton donning these sparklies.
• FOOD
  • 5 Spot
    1502 Queen Anne Ave. N.
    206.285.SPOT
    Drive by on a weekend morning and you'll see the crowd spilling out the door of 5 spot, waiting to get their feed on. And wait they will, and you should too, as this place offers a fine family breakfast any day of the week. Not to mention a satisfying lunch and dinner, on a rotating menu that highlights what might appear on tables across America ­ you'll visit Bourbon Street one season, and Main Street, USA the next. Wherever 5 Spot takes you, it's sure to be yumsville.
  • Eat Local
    2400 Queen Anne Ave. N.
    206.328.3663
    Stop by and pick up an organic, locally-produced, gourmet meal for the family. All the hard work is done. Just choose from the delectable choices, toss them in the oven or microwave, relax, and enjoy some extra family time. Baby can spoon up a variety of pureed fruits and vegetables from the Sprouts line. Everything else, from ravioli lasagna, to chick pea and tofu with greens to free range chicken comes in servings for one, two, four, or eight people (party time!). Don't forget the soup, salad, and starters.
  • Betty
    1507 Queen Anne Ave. N.
    206.352.3773
    Craig Serbousek and Jesse Thomas, owners of popular dinner spot Crow in Lower Queen Anne, opened Betty and decided to include lunch hours. Think upscale but laid back bistro. We drool over the steak frites, slow roasted pork sandwich, and open faced smoked salmon sandwich. Great salad options, too. Not super-adapted to a child's world, there are no changing tables or high chairs, but the friendly staff is very welcoming to babes in arms. Save this yummy choice for date night while the kids are at Color Me Mine's Kids' Night Out?
    
• Honorable Mention
  • Noah's Bagels
    2135 Queen Anne Ave. N.
    206.282.6744
    Bagels are sure to please, and Noah's now offers plenty of variety in salads and three new chicken sandwiches.
  • Jamba Juice
    2131 Queen Anne Ave. N.
    206.378.5884
    What a scrumptious way to get some vitamins into Little One. Try their new 100% fruit Pomegranate Paradise or Peach Perfection.
  • Scoops
    1853 Queen Anne Ave. N.
    206.213.5770
    Ice cream. Need we say more?
  • Macrina
    615 W. McGraw St.
    206.283.5900
    Cookies! Cakes! Croissants! Lunchtime? Go for a salad, quiche, or sandwich. Then dig in to the delicious treats at this favorite bakery.